Mercedes-Benz 500 recalls

3 official safety recalls for the Mercedes-Benz 500 from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

  1. Headlamp washer pump may overheat

    Reported September 19, 1996Model years 1990–1994NHTSA campaign 96V17500028,874 vehicles affected

    A misaligned wiper blade can lodge under a headlamp. If the washers are activated, the pump may run continuously after the fluid is expelled, overheat and cause a vehicle fire. Dealers will replace the headlamp washer pump.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    VISIBILITY
    Defect
    IF ONE OF THE HEADLAMP WIPER ARMS BECOMES MISALIGNED, THE WIPER BALDE CAN LODGE IN THE GROOVE UNDER THE HEADLAMP. IF THE WASHERS ARE ACTIVATED WITH THE WIPER BLADE IN THE MISALIGNED AND LODGED POSITION, THE WASHER PUMP WILL RUN CONTINUOUSLY EXPELLING ALL AVAILABLE FLUID.
    Consequence
    PUMP OPERATION IN THE ABSENCE OF FLUID CAN CAUSE THE PUMP TO OVERHEAT AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP WASHER PUMP ON THESE VEHICLES.
    Notes
    OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 18, 1996. NOTE:OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

  2. Damaged vacuum hose may reduce brake assist

    Reported April 28, 1993Model years 1990–1992NHTSA campaign 93V06700014,300 vehicles affected

    A misrouted vacuum hose or damaged check valve can reduce brake power assist, increasing stopping distance and the risk of an accident. The hose will be replaced with a redesigned hose and relocated check valve.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
    Defect
    DURING THE REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF THE AIR FILTER HOUSING WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE, IT IS POSSIBLE TO MISROUTE THE PREFORMED VACUUM HOSE AND DAMAGE THE CHECK VALVE IN THE VACUUM HOSE. IF THE CHECK VALVE IS DAMAGED, LOSS OF SUFFICIENT BRAKE POWER ASSIST WILL OCCUR.
    Consequence
    LACK OF SUFFICIENT BRAKE POWER ASSIST WILL INCREASESTOPPING DISTANCE AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
    Remedy
    REPLACE THE PREFORMED VACUUM HOSE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED PREFORMED HOSE WITH A RELOCATED CHECK VALVE WHICH WILL ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF THE CHECK VALVE BEING DAMAGED.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: BRAKES.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

  3. Tires may be damaged and fail

    Reported May 1, 1990Model years 1990NHTSA campaign 90V062000278 vehicles affected

    The left front and left rear tires may have been damaged by a worn conveyor chain. Damaged tires could fail during use and cause an accident with possible injuries. Replace damaged tires with tires of the same brand.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    TIRES:SIDEWALL
    Defect
    LEFT FRONT AND LEFT REAR TIRES MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BY A WORN CHAIN DRIVE OF THE CONVEYOR SYSTEM.
    Consequence
    DAMAGED OR CUT TIRES COULD FAIL DURING USE AND RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT WITH POSSIBLE INJURIES.
    Remedy
    REPLACE DAMAGED TIRES WITH TIRES OF THE SAME BRAND NAME.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: TIRES.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS; 300SL, 500SL.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

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